Download the official Android IDE and developer tools to build apps for Android phones. Different configurations and features, including ARCore, Google's platform for building augmented reality experiences. More about the emulator. Mac® OS X® 10.10 (Yosemite) or higher, up to 10.13 (macOS High Sierra); 3 GB RAM.
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There are a lot of valid reasons why someone would want to run on their PC. App developers may be trying to test their application before shipping it out.
Gamers may want to use a mouse and keyboard on their games. Maybe you just want it there to have it. In any case, Android emulation on PC is possible and we’re going to take a look at the best Android emulators for PC. Please note, the process is rarely easy and some of these require some technical knowledge.
There are only a few emulators where it’s as easy as downloading, opening, and using them. The market slowed down a lot in recent years with many old favorites (Andy, AmiduOS, and Leapdroid) permanently leaving the space or becoming unusable without tons of issues. You can find out about their fates at the bottom of the article.
Android Studio is the default development console for Android. It comes with a bunch of tools to help developers make apps and games specifically for Android. As it turns out, there is also a built-in emulator that you can use to test out your app or game. The setup is rather complicated and it can take a long time. Thus, it's not one we would recommend for consumer level use. However, developers can simply use this tool as their emulator for testing their apps. It also supports Kotlin in case developers want to try that out.
It's too much of a pain for regular people, but it's excellent for developers. ARChon isn't a traditional emulator.
You install it as a Google Chrome extension. It then gives Chrome the ability to run Android apps and games (albeit with limited support). It's not an easy emulator to get running. You'll have to install the thing to Chrome.
From there, you have to obtain APKs and load them in. As an added rub, you may need to use a tool to change the APK in order to make it compatible.
There are a lot more steps to make this work than most other Android emulators for PC. On the plus side, though, it works with any operating system that can run an instance of Chrome (Mac OS, Linux, Windows, etc).
We linked to the official GitHub where you can find detailed instructions on its use. Bliss is something a little bit different. It works as an Android emulator for PC via virtual machine. However, it can also just flat run on your computer through a USB stick.
This is definitely a power user option and not recommended for simple. As a VM install, the process is fairly simple, if tedious. The USB installation method is even more complicated, but it lets your computer actually run Android natively from boot. That makes Bliss a super unique emulator if you can make it through the steps to the end.
Of course, it only really runs well if your system is compatible so be prepared with a backup of your current operating system. The system runs Android Oreo and that's among the newer versions of Android offered on an emulator. This is a bit of a diamond in the rough, but again, we only recommend this one to the tech savvy. Bluestacks is the most mainstream of all Android emulators. There are several reasons for that.
For starters, it's compatible with Windows and Mac. It was also one of the first that worked really well that still gets regular updates. The emulator targets mobile gamers. There is a stigma with Bluestacks because it can feel a little bloated at times. Bluestacks 4 (launched in 2018) aimed to fix that with mixed results.
However, it has the ability to launch multiple instances so you can play multiple games at once (or the same game multiple times). It also includes key-mapping and settings for many games installed. That should help make things much easier. It's one of the heaviest emulators on the list. However, it also has the most features for better or for worse. Recent updates put Bluestacks at Android 7.1.2 (Nougat), one of the most recent of any emulator.
The update to Bluestacks 4 also improved speed, even on older computers. It should work well on most reasonably recent computers and laptops. Droid4X is currently available, but it's a tough one to recommend. It's one of the classic Android emulators for PC and t features a simple design that should easily work for a lot of people. It markets itself towards gamers and boasts support for simpler, casual games. However, like most Android emulators, you can do productivity stuff if you want to. This one is not in active development anymore.
Its last update was March 28th, 2016. Thus, we recommend you tread with caution as this could be a buggy and unstable product. Droid4x is also Mac compatible. We have the Windows version linked up, so Mac users will need to search a bit for it. This Android emulator is mostly for developers.
It lets you test your apps on a variety of devices without owning them. You can configure the emulator for a variety of devices with various versions of Android to help suit your needs. For instance, you can run a Nexus One with Android 4.2 or a Nexus 6 with Android 6.0. You can easily switch between virtual devices at will. It’s not great for consumer uses, but Genymotion does offer their services for free for personal use.
It's most useful feature is its availability on both your desktop computer and the cloud. Those without powerful computers can make Genymotion's servers do all the work for them. KoPlayer is a newer Android emulator for PC (comparatively speaking). It has also managed to fly under most radars until recently. Its main focus is for gaming. You'll be able to use key-mapping to emulate a controller with your keyboard. Players will also be able to record game play and upload it wherever they want.
The install process is easy enough and it seems to work okay. It runs in a virtual machine like most other Android emulators for PC. It's a middle of the road option and it's also usable for productivity. There is the occasional but, but most emulators on the list have them. It's not bad for a free option.
MEmu is another of the up and coming Android emulators that seems to do quite well with gamers. One of its biggest features is support for both AMD and Intel chipsets. Most work on AMD processors, but it's nice to see developers specifically pay attention to AMD's platform. Additionally, it supports Android Jelly Bean, Kit Kat, and Lollipop. You can even run multiple instances at once for multiple games or testing features. It aims itself at gamers much like Bluestacks and similar emulators.
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However, it's also quite usable as a productivity tool as well. Its most recent update was in late December 2018 according to its blog and that means its development is still in full swing.
We appreciate that. Nox is another Android emulator for PC for gamers. That includes the usual stuff like key-mapping with your keyboard, actual controller support, and even the ability to key-map gesture controls. For instance, you can assign the function to swipe right to an arrow key and use that in a game without actual hardware controller support. It’s a lot of fun and seems to work rather well most of the time. It’s also entirely free and in active development.
The demo video below is rather old and it definitely ran better than that on my laptop. Remix OS Player by Jide is one of the newer Android emulators for PC (comparatively speaking). It runs Android Marshmallow and that's still relatively new compared to many of the others on the list. The installation process is pretty simple and using it also fairly easy. It caters mostly to gamers. There are a few gamer specific features along with a customizable toolbar. It boasts features like running multiple games at once.
That said, it's a fairly clean emulator so it's still perfectly usable as a productivity tool. The site runs a little slow, though, and it hasn't received a substantial update in a while and its social media accounts have been inactive since 2017. We're concerned about this one in the long term, but it still works for now. Xamarin is an IDE similar to Android Studio. The difference is that it can plug into things like Microsoft Visual Studio for an even larger development environment (for better or for worse).
Also, like the Android Studio, this comes with a built-in emulator for app or game testing. In case it wasn't readily apparent, we only recommend this one to developers. The setup is simply too tedious for regular consume use.
Xamarin's emulator is not as powerful as something like Genymotion, but it'll get the job done if you intend on using this and it's also configurable for your needs. It's free for personal use. Companies and larger teams may have to negotiate a payment plan.
YouWave is one of the older Android emulators for PC. It's been around for a long time. Its last update was in 2016, though. That makes it fairly current.
The free version uses Ice Cream Sandwich. Forking out the $29.99 will get you the Lollipop version. We didn't experience any major issues with either one. The installation process was easy enough. It doesn't have any game specific features but it will still play games. That makes it good for light gaming and productivity.
We haven't seen a meaningful update in quite a long time, though, so even its Lollipop version is woefully out of date. We don't recommend the premium version, but the free version works nicely for those who want an older emulator that runs older Android. As it turns out, you can build your own emulator. Here's how it works. You need to download VirtualBox (linked above).
You then have to download an image from Android-x86.org. From there, it's just a matter of finding one of the many guides online and following the steps.
This is easily one of the more difficult methods, but still not quite as tedious or difficult as setting up a whole IDE like Android Studio or Xamarin. We don't recommend you try without a tutorial and a little prior knowledge. It won't work well, it'll be buggy, and unless you're a coder, it'll be difficult to fix. Still, it'll be yours to customize as you please and who knows, maybe you'll make and release an emulator that'll adorn this list someday. 10 best cloud storage services and apps for Android of 2018! If we missed any of the best Android emulators for PC, tell us about them in the comments! You can our latest Android app and game lists!
Here are what happened to some old classics from the list:. and no longer operates. Those who bought it can still get an installer if you. Andy began using some seriously not great development tactics, including suspected bitcoin mining without user permission. Until they get their stuff together, they are exempt from this list.
Most of the rest simply haven’t been updated or in active development in years and don’t really work well anymore with newer operating systems and hardware. Best VPN Service 2018 ExpressVPN for Android is the best Android VPN app that we’ve tested.
The service offers excellent security, with 256-bit encryption, an SSL-secured network, and unlimited bandwidth. The simply interface makes it easy to pick among the company’s 145 server locations, which are spread out among 94 different countries. And with excellent connection stability, you can use all your other apps with total confidence that ExpressVPN is protecting you in the background.
Want to give ExpressVPN a try? The company offers a risk free 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have nothing to lose.
Recently, I did post an ultimate list of. Now, it’s time to share the list of Top Android Emulator for Mac. You may want to Install or try any Android App on your Mac for any reason. Whether you may be an App Developer and you may want to debug the App or you may want to use or play any. Whatever be the reason, Android Emulator Mac can help you in this case. Android Emulator for Mac let you install Android Apps and Google Play Service to install Apps on Mac device.
If you are not a developer, have you ever thought about Installing Android Apps on your Mac computer and play any games or use any app on your Mac. If you are not aware of Android Emulator Mac, then Android Emulators are software that creates Android Environment on your PC or Mac. So, that we can play or use Android Apps on our Mac system.
This article also has the best Android Game Emulators, too. So, if you are a seriuos Gamer then this article will really help you.
Some Apps mentioned this list is specailly designed for Gaming. So, if you are a hardcore gamer, be sure to checj Android Game Emulators. Without further ado, let’s jump into the article and let’s go through the list. Bluestacks for Mac As always, Bluestacks is one among the industry leader in the Android Emulator industry.
If you ask anyone do you know anything about Android Emulator, that person first may tell about Bluestacks. Because, Bluestacks is that famous as an Android App Player, Android Game Emulator and Android Developer love this software.
Probably Bluestacks is the best Android Emulator for Mac as and are not available for Mac. Bluestacks comes with Google Play Store pre-installed in it, right out of the box. You can easily download any Apps or Games for free, from Google Play Store and install it on Bluestacks. Bluestacks uses the same Internet Network that you are connected to. So, you are not required to configure the special connection for Bluestacks or anything. Bluestacks is not that lightweight application, It’s a heavy Android Emulator. You can take Snapshots, Record your live gaming screen, or install any Chat application like WhatsApp to do Chatting with your friends.
Highlighted Features:. Offline as well as Online Installer available for Mac.
Install third-party APK directly from your MAC by simply double clicking it. Comes pre-loaded with Google Play Store and Google Play Services. Droid4X for Mac Are you a hardcore Android Gamer? Droid4x is an Android Emulator that is specially designed for High End Gaming. As this is targetted for Gamers, there a lot of features that are special for this Android Emulator and not available on the other. I tried it on my as well as my Friend’s Mac and it’s working seamlessly. To be frank, the gaming experience this Android Emulator gives is awesome.
This Android Emulator has ARM Support on almost all Apps. This Emulator also supports Multi touch. So, you can play any Games that require Multiple touches at the same moment. Gaming will be much fun with Droid4X Android Emulator Mac. Games would load even faster that in any Android Emulator.
Highlighted Features:. Comes Pre-Rooted already. Use Smartphone or Keyboard as controller. ARM Support. Multi-Touch. Drag and Drop APK to Install 3.
Andy Android Emulator for Mac Andy is a high-end Android Emulator. It’s a powerful as well as a heavy Android Emulator designed for Mac and PC. Andy Emulator comes as a package installer with many apps. It works on a separate Virtual Machine, so the installer file will be much high compared to other Android Emulators.
The package comes with both Installer and Virtual Machine. You need to install Virtual Box before installing Andy Android Emulator Mac. Highlighted Features:. Google Play Store – Pre Installed. Multi Touch support. OPEN GL hardware acceleration support. Use your Smartphone as Controller.
Genymotion for Mac Genymotion is different from all other Android Emulators. Genymotion’s prime feature is that you can access Android Emulator on a screen size you prefer. Yes, you can select the screen resolution of your choice. Also, choose Android Version of your choice.
You can select from any Android Version available in the App. You need to create an Account on Genymotion and then log in to your Account in Genymotion app.
It’s that simple to get started. It has device category section, You can select which device you want to try, whether it be Google Nexus (Yes, old version) or any HTC Version or any Samsung device, the list goes on. Highlighted Features:.
You have the freedom to select required amount of RAM, Storage for each Emulator device instances you make. You can have more than 1 instance of Android Emulator at a time. Use your PC’s Internet or Wifi Network. ADB AND Open GL Support.
Drag and Drop Feature. Xamarin for Mac Xamarin Android Emulator for Mac is the last one in our list.
This Android Emulator supports OpenGL. I have not personally tried Xamarin in my Mac or Pc, so, I can’t tell more about this Android Emulator.
But from the research, I did on the web, I found that it is not that popular but still, it’s good Android EEmulatorfor Mac. Try it yourself and let me know how it works. I will leave the link to download Xamarin Software.
Final Words Hope you guys found this list of Top Android Emulator for Mac or Android Emulator mac. You can these Android Emulators for playing any Games or Install any Android Apps of your choice. Now, go through all Android Emulators mentioned in the list and find one that suits all your needs.
You can Install WhatsApp and Chat with your freinds or Install and Play Subway Surfes in your Mac. And do whathever you want. Feel free to comment down below, your thoughts about this list and contact if need any assistance.
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